Shock absorbing element for the body

ABSTRACT

A shock absorbing element ( 3   a,    3   b,    3   c ) for protecting a part of the body, having at least two layers connected to each other, a first layer substantially made of recycled rubber and a second layer substantially made of hard plastic, in which the shock absorbing element ( 3   a,    3   b,    3   c ) is designed to be attached to the part of the body in such a way that the first layer is situated between the body and the second layer.

This non-provisional application claims priority to Belgian Patent Application No. BE-2015/5753, filed on Nov. 18, 2015, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a shock absorbing element for protecting a part of the body. The present invention also relates to a protector comprising one or more of such shock absorbing elements. The present invention relates more specifically to a protector for the lower leg, comprising one or more shock absorbing elements for additionally protecting parts of the lower leg.

These shock absorbing elements may be, for example, ‘pads’ such as knee pads, shin pads, etc. These shock absorbing elements often have a curved surface by means of which they fit tightly around the part of the body they are meant to protect. These shock absorbing elements may serve as, inter alia, rear leg protectors, shin protectors, knee protectors, shoulder protectors, etc.

BACKGROUND

Protectors comprising shock absorbing elements are used in many different sports to protect parts of the body against impacts, such as hits or kicks from, for example, other players. Footballers, for example, use shin protectors, ankle protectors, etc. Not only humans use these protectors, for example equestrianism also uses protectors to protect, for example, the lower legs of the horses.

The problem with the existing protectors is that certain parts of the body are not or not sufficiently protected and mainly because shock absorbing elements, which are quite capable of absorbing impacts, compromise the freedom of movement. It is often the case that improved protection results in a reduced freedom of movement, so that sportsmen and sportswomen often choose to only protect a few parts of the body. For example, football players often choose to protect only their shins. This often results in sportsmen and sportswomen suffering injuries which could have been prevented.

SUMMARY

It is thus an object to produce a shock absorbing element and a protector comprising such a shock absorbing element, in which the individual wearing the shock absorbing element is not hampered by the shock absorbing element while he or she is playing sports and is still protected to a sufficient degree. It is therefore an object of the invention to produce a protector by means of which more or additional parts of the body can be protected, but in which the protector does not compromise the freedom of movement of the sportsman or sportswoman.

This object is achieved by providing a shock absorbing element for protecting a part of the body, in which the shock absorbing element comprises at least two layers connected to each other, being a first layer substantially made of recycled rubber and a second layer substantially made of hard plastic, in which the shock absorbing element is attached to the part of the body in such a way that the first layer is situated between the body and the second layer.

This shock absorbing element then serves, for example, as rear leg protection, shin protection, ankle protection, knee protection, shoulder protection, etc.

The expression recycled rubber is used, for example, for rubber which is made by grinding rubber waste products to form granules and then adhesively bonding them. The glue may, for example, be a glue having a high resistance, such as polyurethane glue, as a result of which the glue also contributes to the shock absorbing effect. Recycled rubber is made from a waste product and consequently is less environmentally polluting. It is also a lightweight and breathing material and thus does not limit the freedom of movement of whoever is wearing the shock absorbing element.

The two layers may be connected directly to each other, so that there is no intermediate layer between said layers. However, there may also be one or more intermediate layers between the two aforesaid layers. When using the shock absorbing element, the second layer is further from the part of the body than the first layer, as a result of which impacts, such as kicks, knocks and such, are initially cushioned by the second layer. This second layer then transfers the forces to the first layer, after which the first layer can absorb the forces. As a result thereof, forces are cushioned and absorbed well, thus reducing the risk of injuries resulting from impacts.

The shock absorbing element as such may comprise connectors by means of which it can be connected to said part. Thus, the shock absorbing element may optionally comprise, for example, elastic bands in order to fasten the shock absorbing element around said part. However, the shock absorbing element may also be fastened to the part of the body by means of an additional element. Thus, if the shock absorbing element serves as lower leg protection, it is for example possible to use a sock, in which the shock absorbing element is then arranged between the lower leg and the sock. It is also possible to use a protector in which the shock absorbing element is attached to the protector. Thus, the shock absorbing element may, for example, be accommodated in a recess of the protector. The protector can then be attached to the body at the location of the part to be protected.

The recycled rubber is situated between the body and the hard plastic in use. Obviously, still other elements may be present between the body and the recycled rubber. Thus, the body and the recycled rubber may or may not contact each other directly.

Recycled rubber has good shock absorbing properties. Here, the first layer of recycled rubber is preferably smaller than 1 cm, still more preferably smaller than 5 mm. The reason for this is that shock absorbing elements should not be made excessively heavy or thick, so that they do not or hardly hamper the freedom of movement. However, recycled rubber of such thicknesses is brittle and susceptible to tearing. The hard plastic is able to absorb and pass on shocks well. However, hard plastic is also susceptible to cracking and is not very bendable and flexible. The latter makes the existing shock absorbing elements comprising hard plastic uncomfortable and hampers the sportsmen or sportswomen. However, the recycled rubber ensures that the hard plastic becomes more bendable and also less susceptible to cracking. The hard plastic keeps the recycled rubber together well, so that it is virtually impossible for it to tear. Here, the combination of hard plastic and recycled rubber results in a very strong and comfortable shock absorbing element which has the required strength, is sufficiently bendable, is durable, not susceptible to cracking and still very well able to cushion and absorb impacts. In addition, such a shock absorbing element hardly hampers the freedom of movement of the sportsman or sportswoman. As a result, it is possible to protect parts of the body in a comfortable way without reducing the sports performance. It is also possible to protect in a good manner parts of the body which were previously difficult to protect, or which could only be protected by means of uncomfortable shock absorbing elements.

Preferably, a surface of the second layer lies against a surface of the first layer, with the dimensions of these surfaces virtually corresponding, so that the second layer virtually completely covers the first layer. Impacts which are cushioned by the second layer are thus still readily passed on to the first layer, so that it is ensured that the forces are absorbed well. Since the first layer is connected to the second layer across its entire aforesaid surface, the first layer is also held together well. Since the second layer is connected to the first layer across its entire aforesaid surface, the risk of the second layer cracking is small.

In a preferred embodiment, the hard plastic comprises at least 50% polycarbonate. Polycarbonate is a strong plastic which is extremely suitable for cushioning impacts.

Furthermore preferably, the hard plastic comprises substantially polycarbonate. Polycarbonate is a thermoplastic, as a result of which the second layer can easily be formed to the desired shape. The shock absorbing element may then take the shape of part of the body which is to be protected. Thus, polycarbonate plates may be used as base material which are then formed to the desired shape by means of heat. After the second layer has been given the desired shape, the first layer may be attached to the second layer so as to produce the shock absorbing element. In addition, polycarbonate is transparent, as a result of which the first layer can be seen through it. The appearance of the recycled rubber is thus visible, as a result of which the appearance of such a shock absorbing element is considered to be aesthetic. This is due to the fact that the shock absorbing element is marble-like in appearance, i.e. the appearance of a strong and durable material.

Preferably, the first layer is glued to the second layer. The second layer is attached to the first layer by means of a glue here. Consequently, the two aforesaid layers can detach from each other only with difficulty and the second layer is very well able to pass forces on to the first layer. This is also a simple way of connecting two layers securely.

Furthermore preferably, the first layer is glued to the second layer by means of a polyurethane glue. The recycled rubber is preferably ground rubber which is glued together with a polyurethane glue. By using the same glue to connect the two aforesaid layers to each other and to shape the recycled rubber, the two aforesaid layers will not detach from each other during use of the shock absorbing element.

In a highly preferred embodiment, the first layer has a thickness of between 0.5 and 5 mm. Preferably, the second layer has a thickness of between 0.5 and 5 mm. The aforesaid thicknesses are preferably between 1 and 3 mm. The total thickness of the shock absorbing element is limited here, as a result of which the weight is also limited and the individual wearing the shock absorbing element does not have to carry too much additional weight. At these thicknesses, the second layer can still cushion impacts to a sufficient degree, while the shock absorbing element is still sufficiently flexible so that the individual wearing the shock absorbing element is hardly inconvenienced by it, if at all. Due to the use of these specific materials, it is possible to produce a thin shock absorbing element in this case which is able to cushion and absorb forces sufficiently well, without the shock absorbing element hampering the sportsman or sportswoman or the animal wearing the shock absorbing element.

Preferably, the second layer comprises perforations which extend from the outer surface to the inner surface. The inner surface of the second layer is configured to face the part of the body, during use of the shock absorbing element, the outer surface of the second layer is situated opposite the inner surface. These perforations allow the part of the body to breathe. Still more preferably, the first layer also comprises perforations which extend from the outer surface to the inner surface, with these perforations extending opposite the perforations of the second layer. These perforations may be formed simultaneously by creating the perforations after the two layers have already been connected to each other. By means of perforations in the two aforesaid layers, the part of the body is even better able to breathe.

This object is also achieved by providing a protector for the body comprising one or more shock absorbing elements in which at least one of the shock absorbing elements is a shock absorbing element as described above. Thus, the protector may be a lower leg protector, comprising one or more shock absorbing elements for, for example, the shin, the ankles, the Achilles tendon, etc. By using one or more shock absorbing elements as described above, a protector is obtained which is able to protect the body in a satisfactory manner, without compromising the freedom of movement.

Preferably, the protector comprises an enveloping portion which is configured to be fitted around at least a part of the body, in which the enveloping portion is made from an elastic material, so that the enveloping portion fit tightly against the part of the body, in which the one or more shock absorbing elements are attached to the enveloping portion. The shock absorbing elements may be attached on the inside of the enveloping portion. They may also be attached on the outside of the enveloping portion. The inside of the enveloping portion is the side which is configured to face the body. The outside is the portion which is configured to face away from the body. The inside of the enveloping portion may optionally be provided with a coating layer. By means of a coating layer made of, for example, nylon or polypropylene, the wearing comfort of the protector may be increased, as it will be this coating layer which will touch the skin. The shock absorbing elements may also be attached to the enveloping portion in such a way that they are accommodated in one or more recesses of the enveloping portion. Thus, they may be fitted in one or more recesses of the enveloping portion, with them being removable again.

By using an enveloping portion made of elastic material here which fits tightly against the body, the shock absorbing elements which are attached to the enveloping portion will also fit tightly against the body and hardly limit the freedom of movement, if at all. Due to the fact that the elastic material fits tightly against the body, no additional fastening elements, such as for example hook and loop fasteners or rubber bands, are required at the location of the body to ensure that the body is well covered. As a result thereof, the wearing comfort of such a protector is very good. Here, the shock absorbing elements may be attached to the enveloping portion in such a way that they are not in direct contact with the body and thus the skin. Here, the enveloping portion will therefore be able to absorb forces acting on the aforesaid shock absorbing element, further reducing the risk of injuries due to impacts. Moreover, the hard plastic will not be in contact with the skin here, as a result of which the skin cannot become irritated. Preferably, the first layer extends between the second layer and the enveloping portion.

The enveloping portion may be provided with one or more ventilation holes, so that the lower leg can breathe and sweat sufficiently during use of the protector. Furthermore still more preferably, the protector comprises an outer coating layer which is provided around the enveloping portion and the shock absorbing elements. The shock absorbing elements are thus held in place even better and the appearance of the protector may be made even more uniform. This coating layer may, for example, be made of nylon and/or polypropylene. Thus, this coating layer may comprise substantially nylon or may comprise substantially polypropylene.

When the protector serves as a lower leg protector for humans, the enveloping portion is preferably configured to leave the calf muscle free. As a result thereof, the freedom of movement of the sportsman or sportswoman using this protector is very good.

In a preferred embodiment, the enveloping portion comprises at least 50% neoprene, preferably at least 70% and still more preferably at least 90%. Neoprene is an elastic material, as a result of which the enveloping portion can fit tightly against the body. Neoprene also has some shock absorbing and absorbing effect, as a result of which a sportsman or sportswoman who receives a hit at the location of a portion of the protector which does not contain shock absorbing elements, still enjoys a degree of protection. Also, this neoprene offers additional protection for the portions where the shock absorbing element is situated. If someone receives a hit or kick against the body at the location of one of the shock absorbing elements, the enveloping portion also provides a shock absorbing effect. It is possible, for example, to choose to give the enveloping portion a certain thickness, for example a thickness of between 0.3 and 2 cm, still more preferably of between 0.5 and 1 cm. At these thicknesses, the enveloping portion is sufficiently thick and has a certain shock absorbing effect, but is not too thick to compromise the freedom of movement of the sportsman or sportswoman.

In a highly preferred embodiment, the aforesaid part of the body is a lower leg, with the shock absorbing element comprising the two aforesaid layers being a rear leg protection which is configured to extend essentially below the calf muscle and above the ankle joint.

Here, this protector is then a lower leg protector, with the aforesaid shock absorbing element serving as rear leg protection. The rear leg protection ensures that when the rear side of the leg is hit, the risk of the bones in the lower leg breaking is reduced and the risk of tendons, such as the Achilles tendon, becoming damaged is likewise reduced. The rear leg protection leaves the calf muscle free, as a result of which this rear leg protection does not limit the freedom of movement of the lower leg. Preferably, the shape of the rear leg protection at the location of the calf muscle is hollow, so that the calf muscle fits tightly against the rear leg protection. The rear leg protection also leaves the ankle joint free, so that the foot can move freely with respect to the lower leg. The rear leg protection is preferably also hollow at the location of the ankle joint, so that the foot is able to move freely with respect to the lower leg. If desired, other shock absorbing elements may be present, such as for example one or more shin protectors which are designed to extend at the location of the shin, or an ankle protection which is designed to extend at the location of the ankle knuckles, etc.

Preferably, the rear leg protection is also designed to partly cover the sides of the leg. The sides are also protected here at the location of the portion of the sides which extends above the ankle and below the calf muscle. The purpose thereof is to ensure that in the case of kicks at the location of the side of the lower leg, the lower leg is also protected. Preferably, the rear leg protection is attached to the enveloping portion, with the rear leg protection being folded or deformed in such a way that the rear leg protection fits tightly around the lower leg and thus does not limit the movement of the lower leg.

In a preferred embodiment, at least one of the shock absorbing elements according to the invention serves as shin protection. The shin is often subjected to kicks or hits. This is certainly the case with sports such as football. It is therefore important that the shin is very well protected.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will now be explained in more detail by means of the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment of a shock absorbing element and a protector according to the present invention. The aim of this description is solely to provide illustrative examples and to indicate further advantages and particulars, and can therefore by no means be interpreted as a limitation of the area of application of the invention or of the patent rights defined in the claims.

In this detailed description, reference numerals are used to refer to the attached drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 shows a side view of a protector according to the invention, which is fitted around a lower leg;

FIG. 2 shows a rear view of the protector illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 shows a front view of the protector illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 4 shows a cross section of the protector at the location of a shin protection;

FIG. 5 shows a cross section of the protector at the location of the ankle protection.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1 to 3 illustrate a possible embodiment of a protector (1) for the lower leg. Obviously, other embodiments are also possible. The protector (1) illustrated here is a lower leg protector, but obviously other types of protectors (1) are also possible, such as knee protectors, shoulder protectors, protectors for horses, etc.

This protector (1) is designed to be fitted around a portion of the lower leg. FIG. 1 shows a foot (8) in order to explain which position the protector (1) should assume during use. The protector (1) comprises an enveloping portion (2) which is substantially made from neoprene. This is an elastic material which ensures that the enveloping portion (2) fits tightly against the lower leg. Obviously not every lower leg is the same. Therefore, this protector (1) may be produced in different sizes and/or this protector (1) may be made to measure for whoever will wear the protector (1). The enveloping portion (2) leaves the calf muscle free. Furthermore, a rubber band (7) is attached to the enveloping portion (2), in which case this rubber band (7) can be fitted around the foot (8). This rubber band (7) prevents the enveloping portion (2) from creeping up during use of the protector (1). In an alternative embodiment, the protector (1) could, for example, also have a complete or partial sock portion which adjoins the enveloping portion (2), with this sock portion being designed to cover the foot (8). This enveloping portion (2) and the sock portion could optionally be made in one piece.

This protector (1) furthermore comprises 5 shock absorbing elements (3 a, 3 b, 3 c), each of which is attached to the outside of the enveloping portion (2) and serve to provide additional protection to parts of the lower leg. In an alternative embodiment, one or more of these shock absorbing elements (3 a, 3 b, 3 c) could also be removably fitted in in one or more recesses of the enveloping portion (2). These shock absorbing elements (3 a, 3 b, 3 c) are one rear leg protection (3 a) which is designed to extend essentially below the calf muscle and above the ankle joint (see FIG. 2), three shin protectors (3 b) which are designed to extend laterally next to each other and protect the shin (see FIG. 3) and one ankle protector (3 c) which is designed to protect the ankle joint.

The rear leg protection (3 a) is hollow at the top and at the bottom, so that the ankle joint and the calf muscle still have sufficient freedom of movement and the individual wearing the protector (1) is hardly hampered by the protector (1), if at all. Furthermore, this rear leg protection (3 a) is designed to partly extend sideways in order to thus partially cover and protect the sides of the leg.

Each of the shock absorbing elements (3 a, 3 b, 3 c) consists of two layers (5 a, 5 b), being a first layer (5 a) made of recycled rubber and a second layer (5 b) made of polycarbonate. The protector (1) is provided to be attached to the part of the body in such a way that the first layer (5 a) is situated between the lower leg and the second layer (5 b). These two aforesaid layers (5 a, 5 b) are glued to each other by means of a polyurethane glue. The recycled rubber is produced by grinding rubber waste to form granules and to glue these granulates together with a polyurethane glue.

The second layer (5 b) is a hard layer and in this case the first layer (5 a) is a flexible layer which is softer than the second layer (5 b). Forces of a hit or kick are cushioned first by the second layer (5 b) and then passed on to the first layer (5 a) which absorbs the forces. As a result thereof, forces are cushioned and absorbed very well and the risk of injuries from kicks or hits is small.

Recycled rubber is a shock absorbing material of a certain flexibility, as a result of which the lower leg is well protected and still has sufficient freedom of movement. Because the shock absorbing elements (3 a, 3 b, 3 c) are attached to the enveloping portion (2), the forces acting on the shock absorbing elements (3 a, 3 b, 3 c) will also partly be passed on to and absorbed by the neoprene of the enveloping portion (2).

The protector (1) comprises an outer coating layer (4) which is made of nylon or polypropylene. This coating layer (4) is fitted around the enveloping portion (2) and the shock absorbing elements (3 a, 3 b, 3 c).

The enveloping portion (2) is also provided with several ventilation holes (9), so that the lower leg can sweat and breathe well. 

1. Shock absorbing element for protecting a part of the body, wherein the shock absorbing element comprises at least two layers connected to each other, a first layer made of recycled rubber and a second layer made of hard plastic, in which the shock absorbing element is configured to attach to the part of the body in such a way that the first layer is situated between the body and the second layer.
 2. Shock absorbing element according to claim 1, characterized in that a surface of the second layer lies against a surface of the first layer, with the dimensions of these surfaces virtually corresponding, so that the second layer virtually completely covers the first layer.
 3. Shock absorbing element according to claim 1, characterized in that the hard plastic comprises at least 50% polycarbonate.
 4. Shock absorbing element according to claim 3, characterized in that the hard plastic comprises polycarbonate.
 5. Shock absorbing element according to claim 1, characterized in that the first layer is glued to the second layer.
 6. Shock absorbing element according to claim 5, characterized in that the first layer is glued to the second layer by means of a polyurethane glue.
 7. Shock absorbing element according to claim 1, characterized in that the recycled rubber is ground rubber, glued together with a polyurethane glue.
 8. Shock absorbing element according to claim 1, characterized in that the first layer has a thickness of between 0.5 and 5 mm.
 9. Shock absorbing element according to claim 1, characterized in that the second layer has a thickness of between 0.5 and 5 mm.
 10. Shock absorbing element according to claim 1, characterized in that the second layer comprises perforations which extend from the outer surface to the inner surface.
 11. Shock absorbing element according to claim 10, characterized in that the first layer comprises perforations which extend from the outer surface to the inner surface, with these perforations extending opposite the perforations of the second layer.
 12. Protector for the body comprising one or more shock absorbing elements, wherein at least one of the shock absorbing elements is a shock absorbing element according to claim
 1. 13. Protector according to claim 12, characterized in that the protector comprises an enveloping portion designed to be fitted around a part of the body, in which the enveloping portion is made from an elastic material, so that the enveloping portion can fit tightly against the part of the body, in which the one or more shock absorbing elements are attached to the enveloping portion.
 14. Protector according to claim 12, characterized in that the enveloping portion comprises at least 50% neoprene.
 15. Protector according to claim 12, characterized in that said part of the body is a lower leg, in which the shock absorbing element comprising the two aforesaid layers is a rear leg protection which is designed to extend essentially below the calf muscle and above the ankle joint. 